High profile University launched as Melbourne Cobras Major Partner

Hockey Victoria and La Trobe University have officially entered a strategic partnership to enhance the growth of the sport within Victoria’s vibrant Indian community. This initiative focuses on building sustainable links between the university’s global network and Hockey Victoria’s High Performance pathways, ensuring a shared approach to community development and international engagement.

La Trobe University is the major sponsor of the Melbourne Cobras, a new hockey franchise that will join the Hockey One League in October this year. The university will feature prominently on the Jerseys of both the men’s and women’s squads as well as provide industry partnerships and ongoing mutual opportunities for both organisations.

The Cobras will be the first hockey team outside of India to enable a targeted number of players of Indian-origin as part of the 25-player squad. The Cobras lineup will consist of current, former and emerging international Indian hockey stars of both genders.  

Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern said: “The partnership with La Trobe University provides an outstanding platform for long-term collaboration between India and Australia as it relates to hockey, sport and education.  "This partnership is founded on a shared commitment to community engagement, athletic excellence and growth across Victoria. We look forward to a long and successful relationship as we embark on this exciting journey with La Trobe University. “ 

Hockey has a long and successful history in India, with the country having won eight Olympic medals in the sport, including six golds. The Indian National Hockey Team was the first non-European team to be a part of the International Hockey Federation. 

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrellsaid: The University had a strong relationship with India through education and research, and this new partnership would further strengthen those ties.

“This innovative model connecting the Indian community in Australia and India through hockey will not only enable La Trobe to support Melbourne’s Indian community and their love of hockey but provide education and research opportunities to our students and academics,” Professor Farrell said.  

“I am delighted that La Trobe is partnering with Hockey Victoria to support the launch of the Melbourne Cobras in 2026.” 

 La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Innovation and Dean of the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Professor Russell Hoye said: The University had one of Australia’s top sport and exercise science courses so partnering with Hockey Victoria was an ideal collaboration. 

Professor Hoye said the partnership would provide many opportunities for La Trobe students to gain valuable real-world experience with professional athletes, including internships and work-integrated learning placements for undergraduate students each year in areas such as sport management, sport exercise science and sport media, as well as opportunities for Honours or Masters students. Hockey Victoria staff will also share their vast experience with La Trobe students through special guest lectures throughout the year.

“This partnership provides significant opportunities for La Trobe and Hockey Victoria, and we’re excited to support the Melbourne Cobras as they develop over the coming years,” Professor Hoye said. 

About Hockey Victoria:

Hockey Victoria is the State Sporting Association responsible for the delivery of all Hockey in Victoria. We administer and develop competition and events for 15,000 participants from over 140 clubs across the state. With 90,000 registered participants nationally in 2025, hockey remains one of Australia’s most popular participation sports. Additionally, HV manage two Hockey One Franchises including the Hockey Club Melbourne and the newly launched Melbourne Cobras. The teams play in the national Hockey One League. In 2025, HC Melbourne Men won the Hockey One title for the second time in a row. The women’s team also secured silver in an incredibly successful year. 

About Hockey One:

Hockey One (H1) is Australia’s highest level hockey competition for both male and female players with a host of international talent across the league. There are currently eight (8) teams, each with a men’s and a women’s team playing under the same team name including Adelaide Fire, Canberra Chill, NSW Pride, Brisbane Blaze, Perth Thundersticks, Tassie Tigers, Hockey Club Melbourne and now, the Melbourne Cobras. The league which is heading into its sixth season is seeing a rise in international players, profile and broadcast exposure. The games have been internationally broadcast across Asia, Africa, USA and the Middle East. All games are broadcast locally live and free on 7plus and globally through Hockey One’s Global Pass. 

Media Contact:

Brad Vanderwert 

General Manager Government Relations & Melbourne Cobras | Hockey Victoria 

Email: media@hockeyvictoria.org.au

P: 3 9448 2100